U.S. House of Representatives Dismisses Bill For Extension Of Patriot Act And Intelligence Reform

By Madhuri DeyFeb 9, (THAINDIAN NEWS) The expectations of the White House failed to attain its goal on Tuesday night after a bill for the extension of the three provisions of the Patriot Act and Intelligence Reform bill was dismissed by the U.S. House of Representatives. The reasons for the failure were simple, as it got failed to win a majority after 148 members voted against it.

According to sources, amidst a total of 425 voters it was a 277-148 ratio where a 277 of the voters were in favor of the extension hinted how keen the White House was on gaining the approval. Out of the 148 who went against the idea were 26 Republicans, while the rest 122 were all Democrats. According to the U.S. House of Representatives rules and regulations for the grant, a two-third of the majority is required, which means that a total of 284 votes would have successfully lent to the passing of the bill. After the voting it was noted that most of the 26 Republicans who went against it were new faces of the House. The bill which the White House wanted to get approved of would have bought some additional surveillance powers to the 2001 Patriot Act, which was passed after the massive 9/11 attacks in the United States.

The White House and some of the Democrats have expressed their desire for an extension of the powers of the 2001 Patriot Act, which is all set to get over in the next month. Had the proposed bill for extension of the Patriot Act been granted last night then it would have given the law enforcement access to more essential tools for combating terrorism, as argued by the White House and a section of the Democrats. Reportedly Senate Democrats are expected to shoot proposal for a legislation which would nod for the extension.